Making Room for Moderates

The vicissitudes of genuine Muslim moderates.

This week, federal prosecutors filed documents in a Dallas court relating to the upcoming trial of those accused of running a fundraising organization for the Hamas terrorist group.

Among those listed as unindicted co-conspirators in the case of the Hamas-controlled Holy Land Foundation is the Council on American-Islamic Relations, otherwise known as CAIR.

For those who have closely studied the origins of groups like CAIR, this development cannot be considered a surprise.

As experts on the issue, like Steven Emerson, have long pointed out, CAIR was founded largely as a political front for Hamas fundraising in the United States. Its membership is populated with apologists for Islamist terrorism.

But the public image of this group, which has received remarkably sympathetic coverage in newspapers such as The New York Times in the past year, is that of an ordinary civil-rights organization. Mainstream American politicians like Pennsylvania Democrats Gov. Ed Rendell and US Rep. Joe Sestak have even bought into their cover story, appearing at a fundraiser for the rogue group here in Philadelphia earlier this spring.

Representatives of CAIR are treated as "moderates," and the legitimate spokespersons for Muslim and Arab-Americans by the media. But fortunately, theirs is not the only point of view to be found among Muslims living here in North America or even in Europe, where Islamist radicalism is on the rise.

Muslims who believe their community can and must integrate itself into liberal Western societies -- who oppose the use of terrorism in the name of their faith, and who support democratic values as well as the rights of women -- do exist.

But where are such voices, so needed in an era when Islamists who are in a state of war with the West are working overtime to infiltrate and control Muslim communities and mosques? The answer is that, given the level of intimidation enforced by Islamist imams and their political fellow travelers, few are willing to step forward to challenge the radicals.

This issue takes center spotlight in a new documentary commissioned by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting titled "Islam vs. Islamists," and slated to be shown on the national Public Broadcasting Service on its "Crossroads" series hosted by newsman Robert MacNeil.

The film -- written, directed and narrated by documentary filmmaker Martyn Burke, and produced by Frank J. Gaffney Jr. and Alex Alexiev of the Center for Security Policy, a Washington think tank - portrays the vicissitudes of genuine Muslim moderates who support Western freedoms and oppose terror. It also details the lengths to which radicals have gone to suppress their Muslim critics.

But Americans who look for this film on their local PBS station where other "Crossroads" films in this series have been aired since April will probably search in vain.

PBS spiked the film, with MacNeil alleging that it was "alarmist" and "one-sided." Though other entries in the series, such as MacNeil's personal production, "The Muslim Americans," which sympathetically portrayed CAIR, were aired without allowing their critics a say, the taxpayer-supported network has not broadcast a film that lets other Muslim voices be heard. The only way to view this film at the moment is via independent showings at various locales sponsored by the producers.

As one of those who have viewed the film, I find it hard to understand MacNeil's objections.

In its one hour, "Islam vs. Islamists" skillfully tells the tale of a few courageous Muslims who have bucked the radicals who seem to dominate Muslim institutions in the West.

One is Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a Phoenix physician who helped organize a group called Muslims Against Terror in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, and later helped found the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. Jasser grew tired of hearing people ask why Muslims were not speaking up to denounce those who murdered in the name of his faith, and took action.

Imams denounced this doctor whose only sin was to claim that Islam really was a "religion of peace."

For his troubles, a local Muslim newspaper that shared an office with CAIR denounced him and portrayed him as a dog tearing apart the body of Islam.

Imams denounced this doctor whose only sin was to claim that Islam really was a "religion of peace." A radical cleric in Tempe, Ariz., Ahmed Shqueriat, who operates from a prominent local mosque, told the filmmaker that, in fact, it was the patriotic Jasser who was an "extremist."

Sheik Hisham Kabbani, a leader of the peace-oriented Sufi sect of Islam based in Washington, D.C., and Michigan, is also featured in the film. He discusses how Saudi Arabian funding has helped spread that country's fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, called Wahhabism. The Saudis, working through their embassies, have helped bankroll mosques throughout the country, including those run by the Nation of Islam. In exchange for this money, the Saudis have installed militant Wahabi imams and education at religious centers around the world, including in North America.

While Kabbani and Jasser are fighting for Islam's soul in America, two other subjects of the film are on far more dangerous ground.

French Muslim journalist Mohammed Sifaoui and Danish legislator Naser Khader have received death threats and remain under police protection for their opposition to the violent Islamists who've spoken in the name of all Muslims. Their stories make explicit the risks that any who dissent from the Islamist line face.

As a recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows, it is by no means a foregone conclusion that the radicals speak for all Muslims. Their poll of American Muslims shows that the vast majority are assimilating into society and well appreciate the benefits of living in freedom.

Less encouraging are the results that show that about one-quarter of Muslim respondents were prepared to endorse terrorism in the name of Islam under some circumstances.

Even worse, 60 percent either denied it or refused to answer when asked whether Arabs or Muslims had anything to do with Sept. 11, 2001.

This shows that there is still room for genuine moderates like Jasser to find supporters among the majority of American Muslims. But with Saudi-funded Wahhabi imams deployed in mosques and Islamist-supporting groups like CAIR claiming the right to speak for all Muslims, the drift toward radicalism is growing by the day.

What is needed is for the rest of society to reach out to the Jassers and to stop playing ball with the radicals.

The stakes involved in this issue are enormous, as the Holy Land Foundation prosecution demonstrates.

But so long as networks such as PBS are heeding the radicals and allowing the voices of moderates to be drowned out, the terrifying drift toward radicalism among Muslims in the West will continue.

Visitor Comments: 18

(18)
Karen Vaughan,
August 17, 2010 5:01 PM

There are moderate Muslims and Christians don't all support pogroms

I am a New Yorker who worked with rescue workers, including Muslims, who were digging out bodies, including those of Muslims, from the Trade Center. I live near them, have worked in interfaith associations and have served on the PTAs with them. Many are Americans for generations, others came here to escape fanatics.
All Christians don't support pogroms or crusades, despite their scriptures. Jews don't stone disrespectful sons routinely just because it is in the Torah. So we can't assume that all Muslims are going to cherry pick texts of terror from the Koran, ignoring the first sura which says that Jews, Christians and Sabbeans are all people of the book to be respected.

(17)
Joanne Asher,
August 29, 2007 11:20 AM

suggestion

We want to do something, but we don't know how to contact PBS

(16)
Kevin Chen,
August 23, 2007 7:58 AM

To those who say no moderates

Who are you to judge muslims cant be moderate just because the koran says whatever? people have brains to think what is right and not and what is logical or not. the Torah has so many commanments but do you dare say you kept all of them? You have no RIGHT to generalise and judge them all.. dont be a disgrace to your fellow Jews.

(15)
Harry Katz,
August 21, 2007 8:44 PM

Airing on Rocky Mountain PBS, August 23

Not all PBS affiliates are shunning this production. I will be watching it on Thursday, August 23rd, at 9:00 PM Mountain Time. The airing will include a panel discussion led by NPR host John Hockenberry.

(14)
Ronni,
August 21, 2007 5:48 PM

moderates?

Is there really such a thing as a moderate Muslim? When the Koran justifies violence and murder against the "infidels" how can you possibly be moderate and beleive in Islam? What exactly does moderate mean anyway?

(13)
Regan MacBannon,
August 20, 2007 11:59 PM

Nothing Moderate About Islam

Anyone who has Brigitte Gabriel's "Because They Hate," or seen the film "Obession," can tell you that there is nothing "moderate" about Islam's moderate Muslims. I saw what it did to the Twin Towers of peace on 9/11 and since that day have read volumes about Islam. The New York Times and its ilk is anti-Semitic and treasonous to sympathize with it, especially after what it did to the city the paper resides in. It is too little too late.

(12)
Anonymous,
August 20, 2007 11:28 AM

Any help to Hamas and/or their affiliates, is giving arms to attack us over the whole world.Are we stupid or ignorant or are we one of them? Otherwise we would not have donated a penny to them.Remember, there are among us enemies of America and Israel!!!!!! G-D forbid.

(11)
Miriam Null,
August 20, 2007 6:15 AM

CAIR not a friendly group

the goods n CAIR and its influence in blocking a PBS special n moderate Muslims

(10)
Anonymous,
August 19, 2007 9:12 PM

What are you talking about? PBS junked it over politically correct dictate

What is Jonathan Tobin talking about?

PBS junked "Islam vs. Islamists," because all those associated with the filming and production of this documentary refused to cave into PBS demands it be editorialized so as not to offend Moslems! PBS is known for its consistent conduicy role for Islamic States' propaganda machine the Jewish State. PBS bias against Israel in its news reports and documentaries on the Middle East and related sujects has ill-informed American and wider audiences in a consistent portrayal of Moslems as victims!. BBC, British Broadcating Corporation, the infamously anti-Semitic Britain's publically fundeded "news" perveyors of England is PBS news server!

It would behoove the author of this article to keep apprised and informed of today's reality no less that of PBS and its imposition of falsehoods as regards Islam. We need to stand up to the Marxist/Leftist and pro-Islamic bias of PBS no matter the rhetoric to gain viewers and support.

FOXNEWS Cable aired this film keeping faithful to the researchers, producers and film maker of "Islam vs. Islamists.

(9)
Donald MacGregor,
August 19, 2007 9:07 PM

Talk is cheep, Convince me by action

We all have heard the representatives of the Muslims talk out of both ends. On one hand they say they seek peace and an end to discrimination. Then we have far to meany that are either outright terrorists, supporters of terrorists or groups that set out to create an incident so that they can claim discrimination. I will start to believe in moderate Muslims when their sons and daughters join our military etc and stand in harm's way in order to protect this great nation of ours. In the meantime I am in favor of deportation of those that preach sedition or deny others their right to speak out

(8)
Alan Stewart,
August 19, 2007 8:40 PM

Upsetting eye-opener

I plan to let PBS know "no more contributions until " Islam vs Islamists" is aired" . Emailed to friends.

(7)
Gary Katz,
August 19, 2007 6:11 PM

Relatively moderate Muslims

The media should distinguish between moderate Muslims and relatively moderate Muslims. In a nutshell, a moderate Muslim is totally against terror, as morally repugnant, no matter what the "cause." A relatively moderate Muslim would call in a warning 5 minutes before blowing up a building. Of course, the true moderate (a/k/a sane) Muslims would tend to get threats from the fanatics. That's what fanatics do: intimidate, terrorize, try to control. One point the article might have addressed is that equal rights for Muslim women would probably tend to slow down terrorism. One would hope the women would be (on the average) less willing to declare Jihad at the simple drawing of a Danish cartoon (for example).

(6)
ruth housman,
August 19, 2007 2:49 PM

FEAR SILENCES

There is a significant problem referenced by this article. One would hope that people would NOT be intimidated in ways that prevent their speaking out.It's a scary problem that is repeated over the world in other contexts. The fundamental issue occurs when fundamentalism itself preaches a philosophy of hate and of the "other". Hate wil overwhelm other voices through terror and repressive action.

This is a true problem and one that continues to require serious and ongoing attention.

Orthodox Islamic doctrine mandates participation in Jihad. "Fighting is ordained for you..."[2:216]. "Fight them until only Allah is worshiped"[8:39]. "Fight those who...among the people of the book... until they pay the Jizya with willing submission."[9:29].

Muslims are Allahs slaves, purchased with a promise of Paradise, so that they "kill and are killed". [9:111]

Examine Islamic law, found in Reliance of the Traveller: "The caliph (o-25) makes war upon Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians... "; "The caliph fights all other peoples until they become Muslim...". Those are flat, matter of fact, declarations of a mandate binding upon the Caliph; its what he does as a regular matter of course.

Examine what Al-Shafii said in a legal ruling: "The least that the imam must do is that he allow no year to pass without having organised a military expedition by himself, or by his raiding parties, according to the Muslims' interest, so that the jihad will only be stopped in a year for a (reasonable) excuse."

A believing Muslim, obedient to Allah and emulating Muhammad is violent, not passive.

You can use your favorite search engine to track down the ayat & ahadith I cited by number. You can search for the quotes as well. Don't just take my word for it; neither should you dismiss it arbitrarily.

(4)
raye,
August 19, 2007 1:09 PM

Moderates of the world unite!!!

The first visitor's comment that "Perhaps if all the 'moderate Muslims' came together as one organization they might be able to make their voices heard," I consider a universal plea that cuts across all spectrums of society. Be it Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other faiths. I am concerned mainly with our Jewish inability to unite. Isn't it like three different faiths: Orthodox Conservative and Reform. Indeed, the lifelong question "Who is a Jew" sadly confronts us throughout history. It may be a fantasy but I strongly feel that indeed there would be peace in the world if all the Jews were united in their faith.

(3)
J. Dellareina,
August 19, 2007 11:42 AM

We cannot depend on moderate muslims

This is a myth. Islam is inherently a political movement, one based in violence. The few muslims willing to stand up are, to the fundamentalists, apostates and no better than we infidels. The sooner we accept that truth, the sooner we will be able to save our lives and our societies.

(2)
Mickey Oberman,
August 19, 2007 9:41 AM

Moderate Muslims

Perhaps if all of the "moderate Muslims" came together as one organisation they might be able to make their voices heard.Or is the percentage of moderate Muslims so miniscule that even with a combined voice they would make no difference in the world of Islam?

(1)
Kent,
August 19, 2007 4:26 AM

"Understanding" terrorists

I've met "moderate" Muslims claiming that they, "of course", are opposed to terrorism and anti-Semitism. But in the same breath, they express sympathy for the Islamic extremists, by calling the greater public to "understand". Eh, excuse me? Are we supposed to UNDERSTAND the terrorists? I don't think so. You see, that's the reason why they are terrorists: for people like me and you to stop, think and listen to their demands. If they want something from the civilized world, they must tell us in a civilized manner. But if they are terrorists, we must stop/destroy them - before they destroy us. And those "moderates" who call upon "understanding", must be informed that we are on to them: They are simply running an errand for the people they claim to condemn.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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